"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."(John 10:10, NASB)

Shalom - Happy New Year to all of you!

i just wanted to send a short update on how things are progressing here, and thank all of you for you prayers. It's a blessing to be back in Pittsburgh with family and friends, and have more time to focus in on those things that need to be done to help further the mission work to Bsln. God has graciously been helping me with the new music CD, and i hope to finish it within the month, if He so wills. The Lord has blessed me to put together a pamphlet on the ministry to Bsln, and i'd be happy to mail some to any of you who are interested - if you are, please just send me your address.

Springtime in the Holy land. Well, it seemed to me that we had our share of rain this year, although they still say that the Sea of Galilee is still below the "Red Line". I think it's still early to say because all that snow that fell upon Mt. Hermon and the Golan Heights will eventually melt and run into the Sea. Nevertheless, spring is always beautiful in Israel, and for those who have visited for the first time expecting to see sand dunes and Arabs on camels were pretty surprised to see the lushness and beauty of the land; yes, even in the desert. OK, enough shmalz about Israel.

We finally made it through the year, obviously we had some ups and downs. We learned a number of important lessons, especially concerning our friends from across the northern border and also concerning the controversy concerning the Israeli military leadership. Many believe that Prime Minister Olmart was a bit of a disappointment as well as the Defense Minister. We also thought that there would be some sort a progress concerning the Palestinians but since they're too busy killing themselves, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. It was ironic, in a sense, that the only ones the Palestinian Authority can turn to for help from the threat of hamas is Israel. And still, the cause of all the hostilities, on both the Hamas and Hezbollah front, are the three soldiers who are still in captivity. This has become a thorn in the side of all Israelis and especially those who have sons serving the military. Let's pray for a speedy release and that the soldiers return to their families safe and healthy.

It's so wonderful to be back here in Bsln, Russia, serving The Lord! Thanks be to Him for this privilege of serving Him here, and thanks to all of you who so faithfully share in this service. I hope the following journal excerpts will bring great joy to your hearts as you see your share in the reward of what's being done here!

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NASB)

Grace and peace to all of you, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Our Lord is Risen He is Risen, indeed! God willing, I'll be leaving Russia on May 19 th, and have decided to make this report the last one for the time being. With only about a month left, I want to try and do all I can here and wrap up things before returning to Pittsburgh. Thank you all once again for all of the prayers, financial support, and love you've shown time and time again. By the grace of God, you have helped touch the hurting lives of so many here in Bsln; and for that, they and I truly say thank you. Please continue to pray for the broken hearts, and that The Lord will help me to finish everything I can before leaving. Please also ask The Lord to guide me concerning where He'd have me in the future; God willing, this will not be my last time here in Bsln.

He rescued us from the authority of darkness, and transferred us to His Beloved Son's kingdom. In His Beloved Son, we have redemption the forgiveness of our sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

Praise be to God, Who has rescued us from darkness' power! We now are citizens in the kingdom of God's Beloved Son having a King Who can do no wrong, in a kingdom that will have no end. He has redeemed us, and forgiven us of all our sins. Halleluyah! How 'I already knew that' these truths may seem to us who have been in the faith for a while... and what a danger that kind of thinking is that we can read such amazing words just as we might read the daily paper. Child of God, you are no longer controlled by satan's power; you are a member of Jesus' kingdom. You have been redeemed, and all of your sins have been forgiven. What Great News for us! And what Great News to share with those who still sit in darkness.

The joy that comes from YHWH that is our strength. Please pray that the many grieving hearts here in Bsln will come to know that. In truth, there is nothing to offer them outside of The LORD's joy. He, and He Alone, is able to bring joy where such sorrow remains. Thanks and glory be to Him for the opportunity He's given us to reach out here, and I thank you for your prayers, love, and support.

Thanks and glory be to The Only God, The Creator and Sustainer of our souls! Our Shepherd, Our Lord, Our Redeemer, and Friend... who is like Him? I'm so happy to write this and share with you how He is hearing our prayers and allowing us to share in His work. Below are some of the recent events that have taken place here; once again, thank you so much for all your prayers, love, and support!

"I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  (Matthew 28:20, NASB)

Thanks be to God for His faithfulness and provision, and thank you all who are praying and supporting His work here!

Where should I start? As I wrote before, I seriously think I may write a book someday about the adventures of life and ministry here. There"s so much to write about" ¦ pray that The Lord gives the opportunity to one day put everything into one volume. As Chip, my dear brother in The Lord in Utah, says, " ˜Serving God isn"t boring!"